Team managers are required to convene a meeting for parents of their players before games begin. It is mandatory that at least one parent/guardian representing each player attend this meeting. At this meeting, the manager will explain league and team objectives and policies, discuss practice and game schedules, and answer any questions that parents may have. Parents are encouraged to ask questions of managers at any time during the season, except during a game.

Should any questions arise on any aspect of your youngster's involvement in Little League that your manager is unable to answer, please contact the Player Agent of the league (names and phone numbers are listed at the end of this Handbook). During the season, the League asks that you direct questions first to your player's manager. If the response obtained seems inadequate or otherwise unsatisfactory, you may then contact the appropriate Player Agent.

Volunteering:

Palo Alto Little League is sustained entirely by volunteer efforts and contributed funds. The quality of the program is directly proportional to the support given by parents.

Like many other leagues, Palo Alto Little League requires a minimum level of volunteer support from the parents of all players at every level of play. The reverse side of the player application form identifies a number of possible volunteer positions that must be filled annually to ensure the smooth operation of the league. It is a requirement of registration that a volunteer for at least one of the identified positions represent every applicant. As an alternative, parents may choose to “buy out” their volunteer responsibility by making a monetary donation in lieu of contributing their time.

Team managers and coaches are the most visible group of volunteers because of their direct and sustained contact with the players. Two games plus one or two practices per week consume a great deal of time. However, those parents with the available time will find that managing or coaching are very rewarding ways to contribute to Palo Alto youth and interested applicants are always welcome. Please contact the appropriate Player Agent for the level at which you are interested in participating to make your interest known.

Umpiring is an opportunity for involvement in the minor leagues for parents with less time or erratic schedules. Umpires are scheduled according to their available time. An extensive prior knowledge of baseball is not necessary in order to umpire and training sessions are conducted during the preseason.

Other team and league support positions are available to parents with even less time or for those who prefer to make a one-time contribution, such as providing assistance at Opening Day Ceremonies, participating in occasional field cleanup activities, coordinating the team photo, issuing and retrieving uniforms, helping with the Bat-a-thon fund drive, or organizing game-day snacks and arranging an end-of-season team picnic, typical duties of the team parents.

Whatever your role in the program, you will probably find that Palo Alto has a "lower key" approach than do many other Little League programs. Our style reflects the attitudes of the parents who participate. The best way to influence the direction of the program is to get involved!